The mission of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, encompassing His purpose, work, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Rooted in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament, the mission of Christ is multifaceted, involving His incarnation, ministry, atoning death, resurrection, and eventual return.

Incarnation and Fulfillment of Prophecy

The mission of Christ begins with the incarnation, the divine act where the Word became flesh (John 1:14). This event was prophesied in the Old Testament, notably in Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the virgin birth: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." The fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded in Matthew 1:22-23, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Proclamation of the Kingdom

Central to Christ's mission was the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus began His ministry with the call to repentance, declaring, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). His teachings, parables, and miracles served to reveal the nature of God's Kingdom, emphasizing righteousness, justice, and mercy.

Redemption and Atonement

A pivotal aspect of Christ's mission was to provide redemption for humanity through His sacrificial death. Jesus Himself stated, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). The atonement is further explained in Romans 3:24-25, where Paul writes, "and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood."

Resurrection and Victory Over Death

The resurrection of Christ is a cornerstone of His mission, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." The resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life.

The Great Commission

Following His resurrection, Christ entrusted His disciples with the Great Commission, a continuation of His mission to spread the gospel to all nations. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you."

Intercession and the Promise of Return

Currently, Christ's mission includes His role as the intercessor for believers. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." Furthermore, His mission will culminate in His promised return, as described in Acts 1:11: "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven."

The mission of Christ, as revealed in Scripture, encompasses His life, death, resurrection, and ongoing work, providing the foundation for Christian faith and hope.